It required a significant effort for Curie to release its firm grip on the No. 1 position. The Condors faced their first defeat within the state this season on Tuesday, succumbing to Lindblom.
The Eagles play in a cramped and peculiar home gym, boasting the presence of Je’Shawn Stevenson, one of the top players in the state. It’s worth noting that Lindblom secured a victory against Kenwood back in December.
Curie’s loss occurred during their fifth game in as many days. Prior to this defeat, the Condors emerged victorious against Englewood, Joliet West, and two formidable teams at the Quincy Shootout.
Although it would have been convenient to retain Curie at the top spot, the highly anticipated Sunday matchup between Homewood-Flossmoor and Thornton was too compelling to ignore. Resolving matters on the court whenever possible is always preferable.
Heading into the game, Thornton had a stronger case for the top ranking. The Wildcats only suffered losses against Bloom and H-F, whereas the Vikings were defeated by Bradley-Bourbonnais this week. However, H-F’s second triumph over Thornton solidified their status as the current frontrunners.
The rankings remained relatively stable elsewhere. While New Trier experienced a loss to West Aurora and Bloom was defeated by Loyola, both teams only experienced a slight decline in their rankings. Loyola has demonstrated their ability to defeat any opponent, while the Blackhawks exhibit considerable talent despite their inconsistent performances.
Following losses to Bradley-Bourbonnais and Oak Lawn, Lincoln-Way East has been replaced by the Boilermakers. Despite a setback against Stagg, the Boilermakers’ victories over H-F and Lincoln-Way East have earned them a spot in the rankings.
Super 25 for Jan. 28, 2024
Including team record and previous week’s ranking
1. Homewood-Flossmoor (22-2) 2
Highlighted by Gianni Cobb’s heroic performance
2. Curie (22-2) 1
Suffered a defeat against Lindblom
3. Thornton (20-3) 3
Faced another loss to H-F
4. Waubonsie Valley (22-0) 4
Set to host Bolingbrook on Saturday
5. Mount Carmel (23-3) 5
Secured two wins despite being short-handed
6. Benet (19-3) 6
Upcoming matches against St. Patrick and Marist this week
7. Downers Grove North (19-4) 8
Scheduled to play at Lyons on Tuesday
8. DePaul Prep (21-2) 10
Victorious against Leo and Montini
9. Brother Rice (21-3) 11
Handled Fenwick with ease
10. Bolingbrook (18-3) 12
Will host H-F on Wednesday
11. Neuqua Valley (20-4) 13
Facing two significant challenges this week
12. Warren (22-4) 9
Suffered a loss to Stevenson
13. Bloom (13-7) 7
Defeated by Thornton and Loyola
14. Kankakee (19-2) 14
Matches against Bloom and Thornton on the horizon
15. Kenwood (17-6) 17
Impressive performance by Aleks Alston
16. Rich (16-7) 15
Lost to Thornton in a recent matchup
17. New Trier (21-5) 16
Lost to West Aurora in a recent game
18. Marist (19-4) 18
Preparing to host Benet on Friday
19. Loyola (20-5) 19
Victorious against Bloom but fell to Pat’s
20. Glenbrook North (20-4) 20
Narrowly escaped with a win against Hillcrest
21. Barrington (16-4) 22
Hosting Schaumburg on Tuesday
22. Lake Forest (17-5) 23
Anticipating a crucial match against Lake Zurich on Friday
23. York (20-4) 24
Secured three impressive victories last week
24. Bradley-Bourbonnais (15-5) NR
Nick Allen receiving commendations for his performance
25. Crystal Lake South (21-2) 25
Handled McHenry effectively